Finger Lakes / Letchworth State Park
 

I am planning a trip with my family (wife and 4 children, aged 16-23) to New York in mid-June. We are considering the Finger Lakes region and/or Letchworth State Park. We plan to be in the area 4-5 days. With the family, wineries will not be part of this trip. We are interested in hiking, canoeing, rafting, and natural scenery. We will probably visit the Corning Glass Museum as well. Any other suggestions for things to do? How about lodging? There are 6 of us, so staying at B&B's will probably be a bit expensive. Thanks in advance for your help!

Walk up Watkins Glen one day. Very beautiful 1/2 day activity.

<hiking, canoeing, rafting, and natural scenery>

Sounds much more like the Adirondacks to me. I live in upstate NY (Rochester) and the problem with the Finger Lakes in my opinion is that there just isn't the public access that there is in the Adirondacks. And frankly, the wineries are the best part. LOL

- Stay in Ithaca and take hikes in nearby Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman, and Taughannock Falls State Parks. Also take a walk around the Cornell University Campus. Ithaca a nice town with good restaurants and shops. I’ve been getting the Holiday Inn downtown on Priceline for around $70.00. There are also a bunch of chain hotels just outside of town.
- Stop at Watkins Glen Park on the way to/from Letchworth.
- I like the rim hike at Letchworth. You can maybe get a cabin in the park or stay in nearby Mount Morris Country Inn and Suites.
- Try to fit in driving along one of the Finger Lakes. Route’s 21, 14, and 89 all scenic.
- Corning Museum of Glass is a fun couple of hours. Grab lunch at one of the places on Market Street. http://www.gafferdistrict.com/

You should definately call the people at the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance at 800-530-7488. They exist soley to bring visitors to the region and ensure that they have a good trip. And, everything they do for you is free! They are a good source for info on attractions and accomodations. You can also go to www.fingerlakes.org for information or to order a free travel guide!